Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler remains firmly focused on securing a third-place finish as his side prepare for their Betway Premiership clash against Durban City at the Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday (7.30pm kick-off).
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Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler remains firmly focused on securing a third-place finish as his side prepare for their Betway Premiership clash against Durban City at the Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday (7.30pm kick-off).
Babina Noko have been one of the standout performers for large parts of the season, consistently collecting points and positioning themselves among the frontrunners.
However, their 3-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday proved a significant setback, stretching the gap to nine points between themselves and the top two sides, Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
While the Limpopo-based outfit have not publicly declared a title charge, their performances had naturally placed them in the conversation. The loss to Sundowns has now shifted the focus firmly back to consolidating their place in the top three — a position that would secure Caf Confederation Cup football next season.
The defeat also tightened the race behind them, opening the door for chasing teams eager to capitalise on any slip-ups. Their meeting with a Durban City outfit that has exceeded expectations in its first season after promotion now carries added significance.
The clash could prove pivotal in determining who gains the upper hand in the battle for continental qualification, as only one point separates them.
Despite the setback, Tinkler insists the club’s objective remains unchanged.
“The target and the objective is top three,” Tinkler said.
“Nothing has changed. The media were the ones talking about the league. Top three was my mandate and nothing has changed. Had we beaten Sundowns, would we be competing for the league? Yes.
“But my mandate hasn’t changed — it’s top three. That doesn’t mean we can’t win the next two games and close the gap, but every single game we prepare to win.”
With both Sundowns and Pirates showing strong consistency in recent weeks, closing the gap may appear a tall order. However, Tinkler stressed that the immediate priority is to build a cushion between themselves and the teams chasing third place.
“Our target is top three. The sooner we can create a gap between ourselves and everybody else chasing that position, the better.”
Sekhukhune will draw confidence from their earlier 2-0 victory over Durban City in the reverse fixture, secured while still under the guidance of Gavin Hunt. Replicating that discipline and efficiency will be crucial against a Durban City side that has shown resilience and attacking threat throughout the campaign.
Tinkler has, however, expressed frustration with aspects of his team’s execution, particularly in decisive moments in the final third. He believes greater attention to detail could make the difference in tight encounters.
“It’s the finer details that count, and we lack those details and the final quality,” he said.
“We have three or four opportunities to put the cross in and we don’t — we hit the first man. If you have the finer details and quality, that cross creates a threat.
“It’s about recognising the time and space you have, exploiting it, and playing in the pockets. I’ve told the players, if you see what others don’t, you can do what others can’t.
“That’s what makes a high-quality player — seeing certain things others can’t.”
As the season enters a decisive stretch, Sekhukhune’s response in Chatsworth could shape the trajectory of their continental ambitions.
* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow our YouTube channel The Clutch